After first learning about animal slaughter from a co-worker, I wanted to learn more about the horrors of the meat and dairy industries. This triggered the start of my new diet and lifestyle, which I have followed for over a year.
After watching an eye-opening documentary entitled, Vegucated, I developed a new passion and appreciation for veganism. This documentary exposed the deplorable living conditions of the animals while being raised to eventually “fulfill” their purpose in this world. Some meat industries kill their animals in an inhumane manner, which causes them to have a long and painful death. While animals that are used for their milk are not killed, they often are artificially inseminated to ensure a higher supply of milk is produced. This footage was not easy to watch but it ultimately led me to believe that avoiding animal products can make a small but positive difference to the lives of animals.
Preventing animals from suffering is ethical and can help others develop a new appreciation for life. Animals should not have to be killed in order to nourish humans. In most slaughterhouses, animals live in poor, overcrowded conditions and usually suffer with perpetual anxiety regarding their surroundings before reaching the end of their lives. From a philosophical standpoint, if humans value life, why not value life in all forms? This lifestyle has connected me to many different religions. Most religions, such as Christianity and Islam, dictate that humans are unique and superior beings. I realize that I can easily overpower animals, and use them as a source of food or clothing. While these religious scriptures also discuss the sanctity of life, animals are typically recognized as subservient to humans. Veganism is a departure from this argument and equally views humans’ and animals’ rights to experience life, removing the threat of slaughterhouses.
In the past, I was not invested in the well being of animals. I used to rely on animals for food, beauty products, and clothes. After transitioning to veganism, I developed a new spiritual connection with animals, one that I had never felt before. I began to view animals as beautiful and precious creatures that should not be relegated as resources or servants to support humans. I learned that the easiest way to prevent animals from suffering is to become a vegan. I have become a more peaceful and nonviolent person because of this transition. Moreover, I developed a new appreciation for animals.
Making the transition to veganism was difficult at first. However, with my strong passion toward preserving the lives of animals and my health, this diet quickly turned into my lifestyle. As someone who grew up in an Israeli household, meat and dairy were always found on the dinner table. Being a vegan was never something that I ever thought would become my lifestyle. After living this lifestyle, I learned more about animals, health, and myself, then I would have if I continued with my old eating habits. Such a simple life choice, like becoming a vegan, changed my whole perspective and view on the world, and my life decisions.
